Leave it to Japan’s denim masters to come up with a massively inventive, super cool new way to get your jeans distressed. Throw ‘em in the lion’s den! Sound extreme? Kamine Zoo in Japan let the wildlife do their thing with jeans this summer. Whatever was left of the denim was sewn together into new pairs (because let’s face it, these wild cats are not just strategically distressing the knees). This was all part of a fundraising effort to raise money for the World Wildlife Foundation and the zoo itself. Cool, huh?

See the finished jeans below:

Of course, you’re welcome to go toss your jeans in with the animals at the local zoo. Just don’t expect anyone else to go fetch them for you.

MiH Jeans recently launched an exclusive shibori tye dye collaboration with LA based shibori specialist Niki Livingston on their website. Shibori dye, one of the most beautiful fabric treatments we’ve ever laid eyes on (and a favorite of the festival-going crowd) is an ancient Japanese dye technique used to give cloth a three dimensional form by folding, stitching, and twisting the material before it is sumberged. The result, as you can see, is gorgeous.

“The MiH design team and Niki worked closely together to develop shibori-dyed pieces that reflect MiH’s British heritage and Niki’s laid-back, Californian attitude. After experimenting firstly with denim, we then chose tees, shirts and scarves to become the canvases for our indigo art. Scarf prints were influenced by water and shadows whilst tees and shirts were tied to create spots and stripes with ease and spontaneity.”

The guys of Denim Therapy (and whoever shops with them) know that it’s really hard (if not impossible) to find a pair of slim fit jeans that are comfortable, attractive, and priced reasonably. Slimbs, a fresh new denim brand that we’re super excited about, is prepared to change that. The founders of Slimbs spent over two years conferencing with some of the denim industry’s experts to narrow down the formula for their American slim fit jean, which is currently being developed in three styles: Selvage, Studio Blue, and Downtown Dark.

“Guys should feel comfortable, mentally and physically, when transitioning to a trendier style,” explains their Kickstarter campaign page, “We are here to put to rest the social stigma that surrounds slim fit jeans by introducing a new idea of slim – the American slim fit.”

Slimbs is prepared to deliver on the things that matter most, made from top quality Japanese denim at an amazing price that mass market jeans can’t compete with. Our favorite part? They’re also offering free repairs on every pair of jeans… because holes in the crotch aren’t in style, in any country. We’re proud to say we’ll be handling the repairs for Slimbs, right here at Denim Therapy.

Check out their Kickstarter campaign page and donate to score one of the first pairs of jeans, and help get this awesome new brand off the ground!

The roots of denim lay deep in the highly functional uniforms of industrial workers worldwide. We love when brands reach back into these roots and transform the concept into something modern and fashion-forward. Japanese denim brand Kunna showed us a heavily washed, soft-textured chambray jacket that does exactly this, featuring patch pockets and a relaxed fit. Pair this classic with your current summer looks to transition seamlessly into fall.

This Episode 2 of Denim Mythbusters, started with a simple question: Did Japan’s denim companies snatch up the United State’s shuttle looms to build superior selvedge? Check out the video below and the full post on The Crosby Press.

7 For All Mankind has announced a set of colored selvedge denim jeans and jackets for men that feature bright spring colors this season, including an understated-but-rich red and a classic royal blue. Check out the details and the new styles below.

“Spring 2013 is moving beyond traditional indigo and introducing fresh ways to offer selvage denim. Our grey selvage comes directly from Japan and features a beautiful slate-grey raw fabric. Pushing the envelope even one step further, 7FAM is offering Colored Selvage. We pigment spray the garments in shades of blue, red, and grey. The immense care put into the detailing of our selvage, from the raw material to the weaving, dying and stitching, creates a jean of exceptional quality and impeccable style.”

At Project NY and then again at Project Las Vegas, the men’s denim brand3rd & Army seduced our eyes with three bold styles that exude rock’n'roll and sex appeal. It’s no coincidence that they make an impact at first glance: Industry authority Matt Atkinson (who founded the brand in September 2012) and all associates in the super-collective have worked for major US brands throughout the years. The relatively new project (100% made in LA) packs a powerful punch thanks to its experienced design and marketing team.

The brand DNA is taken from the quintessential California lifestyle. “Our collection speaks from our life experiences through the doors of 3rd & Army. Our clothing is an expression and a combined statement of classic music, fine art, vintage fashion, and a modern lifestyle in an original way,” says the brand. We expect only great things from these guys. Check out our favorite pieces below.

What do you get when you combine two of the most creative brands together for a collaboration? You get these Naked & Famous Denim x Billionaire Boys Club ‘Bee Line’ by Mark McNairy. In many ways both companies are pioneering fashion towards the new age, with Brandon Svarcleading N&F, and with Mark McNairy (as well as renowned innovator Pharrell) as the minds behind Billionaire Boys Club (BBC). McNairy, while attending the Capsule Show in NYC, hooked up with the N&F booth and made his own personal touches to the classic WeirdGuy fit.

Svarc recounts the tale by saying McNairy came over to their booth and they both immediately agreed to create a collab jean. While sitting on the floor of their booth, Svarc showed McNairy different fabric options and alterations for the denim. Once the Weird Guy fit was chosen, they ironed out details within minutes and created this crisp and light jean.

They added Honeycomb Yellow rip-stop twill pocket bags, a lowered coin pocket, gold and yellow stitching, and a custom gold Bee Line Waist Button. They even reached out to the cult underground Japanese artist Rocking Jelly Bean to create their co-branded leather patch on the back of the denim.

The thing we love most about trade shows like PROJECT are how up-close we can get to the denim. We can inspect the fabric hand, design details, and special components that set brands apart from one another. Besides their adorable mini-jeans, 3×1 was equipped with the particulars to keep us around their booth for a while, from their top notch Japan-sourced denim to their made-in-the-USA finishes.

Black coated slim fit 12.5oz black selvedge denim from Kaihara Japan. These jeans feature a coated finish, which results in a very cool reception of light and gradual wearing that will make your jeans truly unique.

Last time we linked up with Kuro, they showed us a gradient of denim washed, aged, and treated for different lengths of time, and told us the best way to wear distressed vintage jeans was with a tailored blazer and a crisp, clean button-down. Sound advice that doesn’t expire, it turns out, since we ran into them this week and they were keeping with their vintage meets tailored aesthetic. “Denim for the Yohji fan,” they explained, showing us a dapper mannequin outfitted in the customer image. Selvedge trimmed back pockets, top-stitching, and other details characterize this impressive Japanese brand. Check them out online for more on their philosophy and products.